Writers keep their word at festival

GEELONG’S own unique writer’s festival will bring a host of national authors covering a variety of topics to Deakin’s waterfront campus this weekend.
The Word for Word Festival is Australia’s largest non-fiction featuring 70 guest speakers including playwright Hannie Rayson, award-winning journalist Latika Bourke, archaeologist Adam Ford, model Nicky Buckley and television legend Mal Leyland.
Sex, narcissism, supermarket wars, grief, sport, motherhood and economics are just some of the meaty themes up for discussion at the second annual festival.
Word for Word creative producer Maryanne Vagg said this year’s “gutsy” program would explore the big issues and tough topics.
Those wishing to rub shoulders with their favourite author or presenter can attend a special ‘BackStory’ Salon Event tomorrow evening.
Two free forums tackling important social issues will be held, one on young people forced to live in nursing homes and the other on Finding a Voice Through the Arts hosted by broadcaster Derek Guille with musicians Dave Mason and Brendan Gallagher, comedian Sue-Ann Post and author and politician Phil Cleary.
To book for ticketed and free events, go to wordforwordfestival.com.au.